Thursday, December 27, 2012

Recent studies have confirmed a link between genetics and
alcoholism, ending a seasoned debate regarding the heightened risk of
alcoholism in children with alcoholic parents. Avoiding the disease can be
tricky. In this entry, we will discuss some tips to help avoid alcohol
addiction for those that may be predisposed.

1 – Take early action. Avoiding an alcohol addiction can
only be accomplished by recognizing the risks before they become a larger
issue. Admitting that you have a problem with alcohol and taking action to
avoid its grasp in the only means of breaking the addictive family cycle.

2 – Keep positive. If you are aware of a heightened
alcoholism risk, you may choose to limit exposure to negative influences that
may encourage it. Ditch the bar scene and try involving yourself in activities
that revolve around something other than drinking. There a world of sober
activities to experience. Don’t let the bar scene hinder your potential.

3 – Request help from friends and family member. Those who
truly love you will hold back judgment. Use these individuals as a safety net
for combating potential alcoholism. Turn to them when you’re looking to go out,
and consider keeping them close throughout the holiday season. It can be easy
to fall into bad habits when surrounded by bad influences. By throwing yourself
into a crowd of positive behavior, you will feel more inclined to participate
positively.

4 – Take pride in your sobriety. Though it is not necessary
to shove your beliefs down other people’s throats, it’s important that you
recognize your commitment to sobriety as a positive thing.

Need Help?

If you are struggling with an alcohol addiction, our Above It All treatment
specialists are available to help. Pick up the phone today, and let our team
help you back on track towards the happy, healthy and productive lifestyle you
deserve.

Monday, December 24, 2012

Communicating concern for a loved one’s alcoholism is an act
that takes a great deal of strength, love, and courage. In most cases, it may
appear easier to simply look the other way, though, in order for your
relationship and your friend to continue, the issue must be addressed. Though
the process can be emotionally draining, it is often far less complex than you
might expect. In this entry, we will walk you though a few tips to help you
express your concerns.

1 – Determine a location. Though it may seem natural to
stage the conversation in a home setting, these areas often serve to create
feelings of anxiety, defensiveness, and aggression. Opting for a quiet and
neutral spot where you can both express yourselves will be ideal for subduing
any harsh feelings and avoiding interruption.

2 – Choose your words wisely. Be compassionate, but focused.
Beating around the bush will only increase defensive feelings, and will do
little to serve your end goal.

Try using the word “I” more than the word “you.” “You are
doing…” comes off much more aggressive than “I feel that…”

Plan out what you want to say beforehand to help ensure a
smoother conversation. The better prepared you are, the easier this whole deal
will be.

3 – Offer your support. Make sure to communicate your
compassion and commitment to the relationship. The more positive you are, the
better the chances your point will be well received.

If you have a friend or family member struggling with an
alcohol dependency, out Above It
All treatment specialists are available to help. Give us a call today, and
let us help your loved one back on track towards the happy, healthy, and
fulfilling life they deserve.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Addiction generally begins as a social activity before
escalating to a point where the user is unable to cope without. Substance abuse
can detrimentally affect both the addict and those surrounding them. When
substance issues are suspected, friends and family members must watch for signs
to determine whether help is required. Symptoms will vary according to the type
of substance and use habits. In this entry, we will discuss some common signs
to look for.

Prescription Drugs

The signs associated with a prescription drug addiction
include odd sleep habits, drunken mannerisms, listlessness, and droopy eyes.
Keep a close watch for slurred/incoherent speech patterns or an inability to
walk or stand up straight.

Cocaine

Common signs associated with cocaine addiction include
glossy eyes, unnaturally large pupils, needle marks, brittle or broken teeth,
raw nose, and excessive weight loss. Additional signs may include extended
periods without sleep followed by extreme periods of deep sleep, irritability,
picking or scratching, aggression, loss in food interests and rambling.

Meth users will experience an elevated sense of contentment
following use. Increased energy levels and depleted appetite are also common
signs. The high associated with meth use typically lasts between 6 and 8 hours.
When the high is over, users will generally appear agitated, with the potential
for violence and extreme depression.

Need Help?

If you or someone you know is suffering from an addiction,
our Above It All addiction
specialists are available to help. Give us a call today, let us get you back on
track towards the happy, healthy and fulfilling lifestyle you deserve.

Monday, December 17, 2012

The holiday season is a time of celebration, family, giving
and indulgence. From office parties and family gatherings to holiday stresses,
it can be difficult for recovering addicts to maintain a positive and sober
mindset. If you are struggling with the idea of sobriety during winter
festivities, the entry below will provide you with a few tips and tricks to
help you through.

1 – Place your attention towards the people surrounding you
rather than the bar. Mingle, walk around, and enjoy the atmosphere. The more
involved you make yourself in the surrounding celebration, the less inclined
you will be to reach for the bottle. If you happen know in advance that you
will not know many people at the function, inquire as to whether you can bring
a friend to help you cope.

2 – Grab yourself a non-alcoholic beverage as soon as you
enter the party. Opt for a cola, cocoa, or a warm cider to keep that holiday
spirit intact. Keep your drink on you at all times to avoid being tempted into
a drink by other party-goers.

3 – Arrive to the party on a full stomach. Most people tend
to feel less inclined to consume alcohol when their bellies are packed.

4 – Offer to be the designated driver for your friends! Not
only will this keep you responsible throughout the evening, but will provide
your comrades with a safe ride home.

Need Help?

If you or someone you know is struggling with maintaining
their holiday sobriety, out Above
It All addiction specialists are available to help! Give us a call today,
and let us help you back on track towards the healthy, happy, and festive
holiday season you deserve.

Friday, December 14, 2012

There are many reasons
why people begin to abuse and become dependent upon alcohol or drugs. For those
who will not or cannot stop, we only wish there was a way of preventing it from
happening in the first place. But now you've come to the point where you find
yourself seeking a solution. You're here because you need to find a drug
treatment center or an alcohol rehab program that will make a difference that
will help you and your loved one regain the lives you once had. Right Step can
make that difference. We have treatment
programs and solutions that can work for you.

People often hear words like detox,
rehab, treatment, relapse and read or see things on TV about people trying and
failing to get control of their drug and alcohol addiction. Maybe this is
something you've already gone through or are dealing with right now. The
question is, how do you find a residential inpatient program or an intensive
outpatient program that can truly help? How can you find a Drug and Alcohol
Rehab Program In California that can do more? How do you find a
drug and alcohol addiction recovery program that can provide you the support
you need and expect from a drug treatment center? We believe that Right Step is
the answer to these questions and more.

The answer is simple. At Above It All
Recovery and Treatment Center, we stand ready to help you with any problem
you may have. We will design a recovery
program for you that will meet your needs and provide a path for you to follow
that leads to a life of sobriety.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Human beings are not designed to go through life alone. No one has to bear the burden of tough times all by themselves

Alcohol addiction is a devastating disease. Though not
everyone who drinks should be classified an alcoholic, those posing the
question above may find the clarification they seek in the entry below. If you
suspect yourself or someone you know of an alcohol addiction, the following
entry may serve in alleviating your suspicions.

1 – One of the main symptoms associated with alcoholism is
when an individual continues drinking even after their intake has resulted in
negative and reoccurring issues in the person’s life. Missed work, neglected
responsibilities, legal issues, or relationship problems garnered as a direct
result of drinking may indicate dependency.

2 – Because alcoholism is progressive, the effects of
excessive drinking will ultimately result in the continued deterioration of the
drinkers emotional, social, and physical life. If you continue to drink in
spite of issues cause by your drinking, you may very well be an alcoholic.

3 – If you are wondering whether you have an alcohol
problem, them you probably do. If family members, friends, and co-workers have
mentioned something about your alcohol intake, your drinking habits likely
require further inspection.

4 – If you recognize that alcohol is causing issues in your
life, make commitments to quit drinking, but continue drinking anyway; you
probably have an alcohol problem. Drinkers who choose to change the type of
alcohol they drink to something “a little lighter”, or who designate specific
times where by they will allow themselves to drink are likely dealing with some
form of alcohol addiction.

Need Help?

If you or someone you know are struggling with an alcohol
addiction, our Above It All alcohol drug detox
facility is the place to call. With a team of seasoned drug and alcohol
addiction specialists available to address your individual needs, you can count
on Above it All to have you in and on the road to recovery in no time. Call
today!

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Alcohol
drug detox is a process best attempted under the supervision of a seasoned
alcohol specialist. Alcoholics who have made the decision to undergo detoxification
should be commended before being escorted directly to a specialized treatment
center for continued care. A proper detox should include medical monitoring and
personalized care to help ensure a comfortable, safe, and healthy transition
into sobriety. In this entry, we will outline the basics of an alcohol detox to
help our readers know what to expect from the process.

Detoxification begins by removing all alcohol toxins from
the subject’s system. While the body works to remove the alcohol, addicts will
begin experiencing withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms will typically begin
roughly 6 – 48 hours after an alcoholic’s last drink, and fluctuate during the
days that follow.

Emotional Support

Once the withdrawal symptoms have calmed, alcoholics will
require emotional support and counseling to help address their body’s alcohol
cravings. Medical doctors and psychologists work side-by-side in an effort to
monitor the psychological and physical well-being of the patient. Alcoholics
typically succeed more during this stage when enrolled in our California alcohol
rehab center due to the constant support they provided by our addiction
specialists. This stage typically lasts between 2 days to a week.

The Final Countdown

The third and final stage of the detoxification process
involves release of the subject by the acting physician. The amount of time
between admission and release typically depends on the progress made by the
patient alongside the severity of the addiction. When it comes to recovery,
there is no black and white; patients are treated individually according to
their individual needs and situation. In most instances the detoxification
process does not take more than two weeks… though there are always
exceptions.